Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris Montreal � the city of Mary Montreal – the city of Mary Montreal is the second-largest French-speaking city in the world after Paris and it has also been ranked as the 10th cleanest city in the world. The second-largest city in Canada and the largest city in the province of Quebec was originally called Ville-Marie (Mary's City) and came to be known as Montreal only by the end of the 17th century. The name is derived from Mount Royal, the three-head hill at the heart of the city. Montreal lies at the confluence of the Saint Lawrence and Ottawa Rivers. The port at the Saint Lawrence Seaway is the river gateway that stretches from the Great Lakes into the Atlantic Ocean. Montreal is bordered by the Riviere des Prairies on the north and Saint Lawrence on the south. Montreal lies at the junction of several climatic regions and therefore has a varied climate. It snows on average more in Montreal, than in Moscow! Summer might be sunny but is also the wettest season making it humid too.

The coldest month of the year is January and due to wind chill, the perceived temperature can be much lower than the actual temperature. Historical overview: Archeological evidence shows us that various nomadic native tribes had lived on the island of Montreal for at least 2,000 years before the arrival of Europeans, including the St. Lawrence Iroquoians. They established the village of Hochelaga at the foot of Mount Royal. 1535 – Jacques Cartier visits Hochelaga and names it Mont Royal, claiming the St. Lawrence Valley for France. 1608 - French explorer Samuel de Champlain reported that the local settlements had disappeared altogether supposedly due to inter-tribe wars, European diseases, and out-migration. Champlain, known as the father of New France, founded a permanent French settlement in Quebec City. 1642 – Paul de Chomedy de Maisonneuve, on a mission to convert the Indians to Christianity, establishes Ville-Marie and erects a wood cross on Mount Royal. 1670 – The Hudson Bay Company is formed initiating an economic war between France and England for fur trade profits in Quebec.

1716 – French authorities build a 6.4 m high wall around Montreal that was eventually completed 20 years later. 1721 – A large scale fire breaks out prompting all buildings within the city henceforth to be built of stone. 1759 – British General Jeffrey Amherst marches into Montreal. 1760 – Pierre Francois de Rigaud, Marquis de Vaudreuil-Cavagnal surrenders the city to the British army under Jeffrey Amherst during the French and Indian War. 1763 - The Treaty of Paris ended the Seven Years' War and ceded eastern New France to the Kingdom of Great Britain. 1801-1820 – The walls surrounding Montreal are demolished and the stone used in new buildings 1828 – Cholera epidemic strikes in Montreal. 1832 – William IV gives royal assent to incorporate the city of Montreal. 1833 – The city adopts its coat of arms and the motto ‘Concordia Salus’ (prosperity through harmony). 1837 – Patriot’s rebellion is brutally suppressed. 1843 – Lachine Canal project is launched to double the depth of the canal.

Workers strike after their pay is reduced and the army is called in resulting in Canada’s bloodiest labor confrontation. 1844 – Montreal becomes the capital of the Province of Canada but loses the status in 1849 when a Tory mob burnt down the Parliament building. 1847 – Immigrants arrive from Ireland to escape the potato famine. They are quarantined. Many die. 1852 – Great Montreal Fire destroys 1,100 homes. 1967 – Montreal hosts the World Exposition (EXPO ’67); first metro lines are open to public; the Louis-Hippolyte Fontaine Tunnel is inaugurated. 1972 – The largest labor strike in Canadian history. 1976 – Montreal Olympics 2002 – Montreal merges with the 27 surrounding municipalities on the Island but the move proves unpopular, and several former municipalities vote to leave the newly unified city. A de-merger took place in 2006, leaving 15 municipalities on the island, including Montreal. 2006 - The city was recognized by the international design community as a UNESCO City of Design, one of the three world design capitals.

Sights around town: Underground City: It is a set of pedestrian levels built to cross under streets connecting buildings although not all of it is underground. Over 32 km of tunnels connect several public facilities with more than 120 exterior access points. Montreal is often referred to as Two Cities in One. Mount Royal: The Mountain is part of the Mount Royal Park containing two belvederes, the man-made Beaver Lake, a short ski slope, a sculpture garden, and a well-known monument to Sir George-Etienne Cartier. The most prominent feature of the peak is the 103 ft high illuminated cross. Montreal Botanical Garden: It boasts an outstanding collection of over 22,000 varieties of plants spreading across 180 acres with 10 exhibition greenhouses and 30 outdoor gardens. Canadian Centre for Architecture: This is an international research centre and museum with a vast collection and also has a sculpture garden that presents the history of architecture as well as that of the city. Montreal Museum of Archaeology & History: Built on top of the actual remnants of the original city, the museum is a national historic site.

Visitors get to see the first public square, the vaulted canalization of the Saint-Pierre River, and the first Catholic cemetery among other attractions. Centre d'histoire de Montreal: You can find out all you need to know about the history of the city in this charming museum through sound environments, images, visual effects, personal testimonies and artifacts. Chateau Ramezay Museum: This was once a governor’s residence built in the 18th century and it now showcases the history of Montreal and Quebec, and the Governor's Garden is truly splendid. Marche Bonsecours: It is recognized as one of the ten most beautiful heritage buildings in Canada and features Quebec’s artists, designers and artisans in its fifteen boutiques. It was inaugurated in 1847 and housed a concert hall, and even served as a city hall. Notre-Dame-de-Bonsecours: This is the oldest stone chapel in the city built in 1655 and it also houses the Marguerite Bourgeoys Museum. On display are objects and works of art related to the history of the chapel and the life of Marguerite Bourgeoys, Montreal's first teacher.

The museum offers the highest vantage point in Old Montreal and gives visitors a magnificent view of the river and the harbor. Here you can also see the archaeological site where the foundations of Montreal's first stone church can be found. Christ Church Cathedral: Built around 1859, it stands over an underground shopping centre. The square nearby is dedicated to Raoul Wallenberg who saved thousands of Jews from concentration camps during World War II. Eglise du Gesu: It means ‘Jesus’ in Italian and takes its name from the church in Rome. Built in 1865, it is one of the oldest churches in Montreal and a cultural heritage site. Saint Joseph's Oratory: The largest church in Canada is nicknamed ‘la Ville aux cent clochers’ (the city of a hundred bell towers). It has the largest dome of its kind in the world after that of Saint Peter's Basilica in Rome. It is a pilgrimage to Brother Andre, who was reputed to have healed the sick and handicapped. Here you will find a collection of crutches and canes from the healed. You can see devotees climbing to the top on their knees.

If the weather is good, take a stroll through the beautiful garden nearby, which features the Stages of the Cross in marble sculptures. Saint-Pierre-Apotre Church: Built in 1851, its Chapel of Hope is the only chapel in the world dedicated to AIDS victims. Notre-Dame Basilica: Built in 1829, the church has magnificent interior sculpted in wood, paint and gold leaf. Paintings, sculptures and stained-glass windows illustrate biblical passages as well as 350 years of parish history. It also has a sound and light show about the founding of Montreal and the Notre-Dame Basilica. Visitation Church at Sault-au-Recollet: This is the oldest Catholic Church in Montreal built in 1750 and now a historic monument. Saint-Nom-de-Jesus Church: This church is said to be one of the most prestigious houses of worship in all of Quebec and also houses one of North America’s most powerful organs. St Patrick’s Basilica: It is more commonly known as the Irish Church and was constructed in 1847. The Basilica was designated as a historic monument in 1985 and a national historic site in 1996.

Its huge pine columns, the oak carving in the nave as well as the carved pulpit stand out among other features of the structure. Champ de Mars: If you want to relax then this tree shaded expanse is the perfect place for it offering you a great view of downtown Montreal at the same time. The two rows of stone are where you can still see physical evidence of the fortified town of the old city. Saint-Louis Square: This delightful park was the site of the first water reservoir in Montreal. Darling Foundry: This ancient Darling Foundry now serves as an arts centre. Originally established in 1880, the foundry had contributed greatly to the development of Montreal’s industry and the port. It was then abandoned for over ten years before being converted into an arts centre showcasing the creation, production and distribution of works by young artists. Olympic Stadium: Built for the 1976 Summer Olympic Games, the tower (from which the roof is suspended) is the world's tallest leaning structure. It is a great place for not only major sporting events, but also rock concerts and public gatherings. The roof, which could originally be raised, has been replaced numerous times.

A funicular-type elevator takes you to the top observation deck, where you get a superb view of the city. Grande Bibliotheque du Quebec: The library houses a staggering 4 million works and is part of the National Library. The building has outstanding features such as a glass mural, a kinetic luminous mural, and a sculpture garden. Cultural highlights: Montreal International Jazz Festival: It is the world's largest jazz festival attracting many big name artists. Many streets are closed off to traffic for concerts. Just for Laughs: This is a comedy festival held in English and French featuring comedians from all over the world. Francofolies: A festival celebrating French music. Tremblant Film Festival: Tremblant is just an hour from Montreal in the splendid Laurentian mountains. You can see some of the year’s best independent films and foreign cinema. World Film Festival: The festival is open to all cinema trends and over 70 countries participate. Festival du Monde Arabe: This festival celebrates the music and culture of the Arab world. Festival Mondiale de la biere: This is, simply put, five days of tasting beers!

Montreal International Fireworks Competition: The festival features fireworks displays accompanied by orchestral music from about a dozen countries around the world. City’s palate: Montreal, being so culturally diverse, offers a huge variety of food options to suit all budgets and preferences. And if you are trying to save up, many restaurants allow you to bring your own wine. The city was recently ranked 2nd best dining city in North America after San Francisco and is one of the cities with the most restaurants in the world. The large Jewish population has contributed specialties such as smoked meat sandwiches and bagels. Lebanese falafels and Japanese sushi have also been in favor with the residents. The local favorite is the split pea soup. While here, try the unique poutine, which is a plate of French fries drowned in gravy and topped with chewy curds of white cheddar. Getting around: Montreal-Pierre Elliott Trudeau International Airport (formerly Dorval Airport) serves all commercial passenger traffic. The Montreal-Mirabel International Airport now serves only cargo flights. Montreal-Trudeau is the only Canadian airport that offers non-stop service to Africa and it also contains the second largest duty free shop in North America.

You could also get into the city by VIA Rail, which is headquartered in Montreal. Amtrak also provides service to Montreal. Commuting within the city is also convenient with the city’s network of buses, subways, and commuter trains that extend across and off the island. Spread The Word 40 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT FRENCH LANGUAGE | Antimoon Forum 40 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT FRENCH LANGUAGE Homme Fatal Sun Jun 06, 2010 1:44 am GMT 40 SURPRISING FACTS ABOUT FRENCH from The Story of French by Julie Barlow and Jean-Benoï¿½t Nadeau GLOBAL STATUS ï¿½ French is second only to English for the number of countries where it has official status ï¿½ 32 as opposed to 45. And, with 56 members, f La Francophonie is is now larger than the Commonwealth, which has 53.

ï¿½ French is also the only language, with English, that is taught in every country of the world, with 100 million students and 2 million teachers ï¿½ 20 % of whom are outside of francophone countries. ï¿½ Kinshasa is the worldï¿½s second largest French speaking city, after Paris, and before Montreal and Brussels. ï¿½ The number of French speakers has tripled since 1945 largely since most former French and Belgian colonies kept French as their language of government, education and science after decolonization. ï¿½ Between 6 and 11 million Americans speak French, as does half the population of Algeria, and 15 percent of Israelis. ï¿½ French is still a working language of the UN, the EU, and dozens of international organizations including the International Red Cross committee, International Labor Organization, Amnesty International, and Doctors without Borders. Francophone countries form an important bloc in the UN, the EU, the African Union, and the Arab League. ï¿½ Two G-8 countries (France and Canada) and six European countries (France, Belgium, Switzerland, Romania, Luxembourg, Monaco) are French-speaking countries.

BUSINESS, SCIENCE AND TRAVEL ï¿½ France is the most visited country in the world with 75 million tourists every year. ï¿½ French-speaking scientists and technicians invented the hot air balloon, cinema, radial tires, smart cards, HDTV, the snowmobile, the saxophone, Velcro and more. ï¿½ Areva, of Paris, is the worldï¿½s largest civil nuclear energy company. ï¿½ The worldï¿½s leader in international engineering is SNC-Lavalin of Montreal. ï¿½ Toulouse and Montreal, with Seattle, are the worldï¿½s leading cities in aerospace technology. ï¿½ Voice-compression technology, used in a billion cellular phones worldwide, was patented by Universitï¿½ de Sherbrooke in Quebec. ï¿½ Cotonou, in French Guyana, is home to the launching pad of Ariane space rockets, the worldï¿½s only commercially viable launcher program. CULTURE ï¿½ The latest edition of the popular comic book Astï¿½rix was printed in 7 million copies in French alone and translated into 23 languages.

ï¿½ French film production ï¿½ at 500 films per year ï¿½ is number two in the world. In Canada, Quebec films often outsell Hollywood films at the box office. ï¿½ The Agence universitaire de la Francophonie networks 630 French language universities and more than 350 French faculties worldwide, for a total of 120,000 professors and researchers. ï¿½ Many major living French language authors ï¿½ Milan Kundera, Nancy Houston, Jonathan Littel, Andreï¿½ Makhine, Tahar Ben Jeloun, Dany Laferriï¿½re, Franï¿½ois Cheng ï¿½ did not speak French as a mother tongue. LINGUISTICS ï¿½ At the time of the French Revolution, 75% of French citizens did not speak French as a mother tongue. Until the 19th century, French was spoken more widely in Holland and Germany than in some parts of France. ï¿½ About a third to a half of basic English words come from French, including pedigree, surf, view, strive, challenge, pride, staunch and war.

ï¿½ The origin of French language purism, including the French Academy, can all be traced back to the influence of a single poet, Franï¿½ois de Malherbe. ï¿½ The French Academy, created in 1635, was the first body ever to rule over a language. Since then, most of the worldï¿½s main languages have had a similar type of institution and most countries of the world rule over proper language rules, including all Spanish-speaking, Scandinavian, German-speaking, Arabic-speaking countries. English-speaking countries are the only exception. ï¿½ French has more than a million words and 20,000 new ones are created every year. ï¿½ The Office quï¿½bï¿½cois de la langue franï¿½aise receives 50 information million requests for words every year, half of them from Europe: this is 50 times more requests than the French Academy receives. IN CANADA ï¿½ Quebecï¿½s language protection measures have been a model for policy in Spain, France, Brazil, and 29 US states.

ï¿½ In Canada, 300,000 children are enrolled in French immersion programs, and 3 million adults whose mother tongue is not French speak French as a second language. ï¿½ Half a million native French speakers live in Ontario and their flag, the Franco-Ontarian flag, is one of Ontarioï¿½s seven official emblems. The premier of Ontario, Dalton McGuinty, was raised in French by his mother and sent all his children to French school. ï¿½ The Acadians had an official flag and anthem a century before Canada. New Brunswick was the first Canadian province to declare itself officially bilingual and remains the only one. ï¿½ There are eight million Francophones living in North America, and most are descendents of only 10,000 original French colonists. ï¿½ Canada is one of the few countries where Common Law is practiced in French. Lawyers from New Brunswick played an important role in drafting the constitution of Mauritius. The New Quebec Civil Code was influential in the drafting of the new codes of law in Russia and China.

IN THE UNITED STATES ï¿½ In the United States, French is the number four native language and the second most taught second language after Spanish. ï¿½ Quebec is the United Statesï¿½ 6th trading partner, and over half a million Americans work for French companies. ï¿½ Most of the early legendary figures of the American frontier in the early 19th century were French Canadians born in the St. Lawrence valley. They guided Lewis and Clark, colonized New Mexico, assisted the pioneers of the Union Pacific, and discovered gold in California. ï¿½ New York, California and Florida have joined Louisiana and New England as the main centers of French in United States. ï¿½ In the US, half of foreign films watched, and 30% of foreign books read are in French. ï¿½ French is a mother tongue to 1.6 million Americans and 6 to 11 million Americans speak French fluently as a second language. Of the worldï¿½s 1100 Alliances Franï¿½aises, 130 are in the United States, which is also home for 55 of the worldï¿½s 530 foreign French schools.

IN THE COMMONWEALTH ï¿½ French is the main foreign language taught in Britain and remains a popular foreign language in most English speaking countries. ï¿½ The United Kingdom and Ireland are home to 14 Alliances Franï¿½aises, more than 50 French clubs and 9 lycï¿½es and collï¿½ges franï¿½ais. In all, more than half a million UK citizens are studying French from kindergarten to university level. ï¿½ Five Commonwealth Countries have French as one of their official languages: Canada, Cameroon, Mauritius, the Seychelles and Vanuatu. ï¿½ Quebec opened its own quasi-diplomatic delegation in London in 1871, shortly after Canada became an independent country in 1867. Updated 16 July 2009 Discover Canada Discover Canada The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship Canada’s Regions Discover Canada: The Rights and Responsibilities of Citizenship - Canada's Regions Duration: 14 minutes, 23 seconds. Read by Geraint Wyn Davies . Download this chapter: MP3 You can also download all of Discover Canada as a single file. The audio may take a moment to load.

In order to maximize the functionality of this page, please turn on Javascript . is now a tourist attraction and winter skateway [ See larger version ] Canada is the second largest country on earth—10 million square kilometres. Three oceans line Canada’s frontiers: the Pacific Ocean in the west, the Atlantic Ocean in the east, and the Arctic Ocean to the north. Along the southern edge of Canada lies the Canada-United States boundary. Both Canada and the U.S.A. are committed to a safe, secure and efficient frontier The Regions of Canada Canada includes many different geographical areas and five distinct regions. The Atlantic Provinces The Northern Territories The National Capital Ottawa, located on the Ottawa River, was chosen as the capital in 1857 by Queen Victoria, the great-great-grandmother of Queen Elizabeth II. Today it is Canada’s fourth largest metropolitan area. The National Capital Region, 4,700 square kilometres surrounding Ottawa, preserves and enhances the area’s built heritage and natural environment. Provinces and Territories Canada has ten provinces and three territories. Each province and territory has its own capital city. You should know the capital of your province or territory as well as that of Canada. Population Canada has a population of about 34 million people.

While the majority live in cities, Canadians also live in small towns, rural areas and everywhere in between. Peggy’s Cove harbour, Nova Scotia Ottawa: The Capital of Canada The Atlantic provinces Atlantic Canada’s coasts and natural resources, including fishing, farming, forestry and mining, have made these provinces an important part of Canada’s history and development. The Atlantic Ocean brings cool winters and cool humid summers. Newfoundland and Labrador Newfoundland and Labrador is the most easterly point in North America and has its own time zone. In addition to its natural beauty, the province has a unique heritage linked to the sea. The oldest colony of the British Empire and a strategic prize in Canada’s early history, the province has long been known for its fisheries, coastal fishing villages and distinct culture. Today off-shore oil and gas extraction contributes a substantial part of the economy. Labrador also has immense hydro-electric resources. Prince Edward Island Prince Edward Island ( P.E.I. ) is the smallest province, known for its beaches, red soil and agriculture, especially potatoes. P.E.I. is the birthplace of Confederation, connected to mainland Canada by one of the longest continuous multispan bridges in the world, the Confederation Bridge.

Anne of Green Gables, set in P.E.I. by Lucy Maud Montgomery, is a much-loved story about the adventures of a little red-headed orphan girl. Nova Scotia Nova Scotia is the most populous Atlantic Province, with a rich history as the gateway to Canada. Known for the world’s highest tides in the Bay of Fundy , the province’s identity is linked to shipbuilding, fisheries and shipping. As Canada’s largest east coast port, deep-water and ice-free, the capital, Halifax, has played an important role in Atlantic trade and defence and is home to Canada’s largest naval base. Nova Scotia has a long history of coal mining, forestry and agriculture. Today there is also off-shore oil and gas exploration. The province’s Celtic and Gaelic traditions sustain a vibrant culture. Nova Scotia is home to over 700 annual festivals, including the spectacular military tattoo in Halifax. New Brunswick Situated in the Appalachian Range, the province was founded by the United Empire Loyalists and has the second largest river system on North America’s Atlantic coastline, the St. John River system. Forestry, agriculture, fisheries, mining, food processing and tourism are the principal industries.

Saint John is the largest city, port and manufacturing centre; Moncton is the principal Francophone Acadian centre; and Fredericton, the historic capital. New Brunswick is the only officially bilingual province, and about one-third of the population lives and works in French. The province’s pioneer Loyalist and French cultural heritage and history come alive in street festivals and traditional music. Central Canada More than half the people in Canada live in cities and towns near the Great Lakes and the St. Lawrence River in southern Quebec and Ontario, known as Central Canada and the industrial and manufacturing heartland. Southern Ontario and Quebec have cold winters and warm humid summers. Together, Ontario and Quebec produce more than three-quarters of all Canadian manufactured goods. Quebec Nearly eight million people live in Quebec, the vast majority along or near the St. Lawrence River. More than three-quarters speak French as their first language. The resources of the Canadian Shield have helped Quebec to develop important industries, including forestry, energy and mining. Quebec is Canada’s main producer of pulp and paper. The province’s huge supply of fresh water has made it Canada’s largest producer of hydro-electricity. Quebecers are leaders in cutting-edge industries such as pharmaceuticals and aeronautics.

Quebec films, music, literary works and food have international stature, especially in La Francophonie, an association of French-speaking nations. Montreal, Canada’s second largest city and the second largest mainly French-speaking city in the world after Paris, is famous for its cultural diversity. Ontario At more than 12 million, the people of Ontario make up more than one-third of Canadians. The large and culturally diverse population, natural resources and strategic location contribute to a vital economy. Toronto is the largest city in Canada and the country’s main financial centre. Many people work in the service or manufacturing industries, which produce a large percentage of Canada’s exports. The Niagara region is known for its vineyards, wines and fruit crops. Ontario farmers raise dairy and beef cattle, poultry, and vegetable and grain crops. Founded by United Empire Loyalists, Ontario also has the largest Frenchspeaking population outside of Quebec, with a proud history of preserving their language and culture. There are five Great Lakes located between Ontario and the United States: Lake Ontario, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, Lake Michigan (in the U.S.A. ) and Lake Superior, the largest freshwater lake in the world.

The Prairie Provinces Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta are the Prairie Provinces, rich in energy resources and some of the most fertile farmland in the world. The region is mostly dry, with cold winters and hot summers. Manitoba Manitoba’s economy is based on agriculture, mining and hydro-electric power generation. The province’s most populous city is Winnipeg, whose Exchange District includes the most famous street intersection in Canada, Portage and Main. Winnipeg’s French Quarter, St. Boniface, has Western Canada’s largest Francophone community at 45,000. Manitoba is also an important centre of Ukrainian culture, with 14% reporting Ukrainian origins, and the largest Aboriginal population of any province, at over 15%. Saskatchewan Saskatchewan, once known as the “breadbasket of the world” and the “wheat province,” has 40% of the arable land in Canada and is the country’s largest producer of grains and oilseeds. It also boasts the world’s richest deposits of uranium and potash, used in fertilizer, and produces oil and natural gas. Regina, the capital, is home to the training academy of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police.

Saskatoon, the largest city, is the headquarters of the mining industry and an important educational, research and technology centre. Alberta Alberta is the most populous Prairie province. The province, and the world-famous Lake Louise in the Rocky Mountains, were both named after Princess Louise Caroline Alberta, fourth daughter of Queen Victoria. Alberta has five national parks, including Banff National Park, established in 1885. The rugged Badlands house some of the world’s richest deposits of prehistoric fossils and dinosaur finds. Alberta is the largest producer of oil and gas, and the oil sands in the north are being developed as a major energy source. Alberta is also renowned for agriculture, especially for the vast cattle ranches that make Canada one of the world’s major beef producers. The West Coast British Columbia is known for its majestic mountains and as Canada’s Pacific gateway. The Port of Vancouver, Canada’s largest and busiest, handles billions of dollars in goods traded around the world. Warm airstreams from the Pacific Ocean give the B.C. coast a temperate climate. British Columbia British Columbia ( B.C. ), on the Pacific coast, is Canada’s western most province, with a population of four million.

The Port of Vancouver is our gateway to the Asia-Pacific. About one-half of all the goods produced in B.C. are forestry products, including lumber, newsprint, and pulp and paper products—the most valuable forestry industry in Canada. B.C. is also known for mining, fishing, and the fruit orchards and wine industry of the Okanagan Valley. B.C. has the most extensive park system in Canada, with approximately 600 provincial parks. The province’s large Asian communities have made Chinese and Punjabi the most spoken languages in the cities after English. The capital, Victoria, is a tourist centre and headquarters of the navy’s Pacific fleet. The Northern Territories The Northwest Territories, Nunavut and Yukon contain one-third of Canada’s land mass but have a population of only 100,000. There are gold, lead, copper, diamond and zinc mines. Oil and gas deposits are being developed. The North is often referred to as the “Land of the Midnight Sun” because at the height of summer, daylight can last up to 24 hours. In winter, the sun disappears and darkness sets in for three months. The Northern territories have long cold winters and short cool summers.

Much of the North is made up of tundra, the vast rocky Arctic plain. Because of the cold Arctic climate, there are no trees on the tundra and the soil is permanently frozen. Some continue to earn a living by hunting, fishing and trapping. Inuit art is sold throughout Canada and around the world. Yukon Thousands of miners came to the Yukon during the Gold Rush of the 1890s, as celebrated in the poetry of Robert W. Service. Mining remains a significant part of the economy. The White Pass and Yukon Railway opened from Skagway in neighbouring Alaska to the territorial capital, Whitehorse in 1900 and provides a spectacular tourist excursion across precipitous passes and bridges. Yukon holds the record for the coldest temperature ever recorded in Canada (-63°C). Mount Logan, located in the Yukon, is the highest mountain in Canada. It is named in honour of Sir William Logan, a world-famous geologist, born in Montreal in 1798 to Scottish immigrant parents.

Logan founded and directed the Geological Survey of Canada from 1842 to 1869 and is considered one of Canada’s greatest scientists [ See larger version ] Northwest Territories The Northwest Territories ( N.W.T. ) were originally made up in 1870 from Rupert’s Land and the North-Western Territory. The capital, Yellowknife (population 20,000), is called the “diamond capital of North America.” More than half the population is Aboriginal (Dene, Inuit and Métis). The Mackenzie River, at 4,200 kilometres, is the second-longest river system in North America after the Mississippi and drains an area of 1.8 million square kilometres. Nunavut Nunavut, meaning “our land” in Inuktitut, was established in 1999 from the eastern part of the Northwest Territories, including all of the former District of Keewatin. The capital is Iqaluit, formerly Frobisher Bay, named after the English explorer Martin Frobisher, who penetrated the uncharted Arctic for Queen Elizabeth I in 1576. The 19-member Legislative Assembly chooses a premier and ministers by consensus.

The population is about 85% Inuit, and Inuktitut is an official language and the first language in schools. (From left to right) An Inuit boy in Sanikiluaq, Nunavut, uses a pellet gun to hunt for birds The caribou (reindeer) is popular game for hunters and a symbol of Canada’s North Living in Montreal - what's it like? Living in Montreal: Environment – Transport – Where to Live – Business – Jobs – Pros and Cons Guide to Living in Montreal With a population just over 4 million, Montreal is Canada’s second biggest city, after Toronto . Montreal has been overtaken by Toronto as Canada’s commercial capital, but it is still an important hub for commerce, arts, culture and architecture. Montreal’s province, Quebec, is culturally distinct from the rest of Canada because its sole official language is French. In fact, Montreal is the second largest French speaking city in the world, after Paris. Montreal’s climate varies wildly from season to season. Quebec winters are known throughout Canada as being cold, wet and icy – similar to Ottawa’s , and harsher than Toronto’s.

Thankfully, the municipal snow clearing system is surprisingly fast and efficient for the city’s size. Summers are warm by Canadian standards. The average daily temperature ranges between 23 – 27 degrees Celsius, but can reach lows of 13 and highs of 35 degrees. Character Schulich Library of Science and Engineering on the McGill University downtown campus: Photo credit: Beltz Montreal rates as one of the world’s most livable cities, and was named “Canada’s Cultural Capital” by Monocle Magazine and a UNESCO “City of Design”. The Lonely Planet travel guide includes Montreal in its “10 happiest places in the World” list: in second place. “Clean, welcoming and refreshingly multicultural, Montreal is happy enough year-round,” says the guide. “Come July, though, it’s downright hilarious. Just For Laughs takes over the city in summer, packing venues with the best in both Anglo and Francophone comedy.” Montreal is the business centre of Quebec and, taking its metropolitan area into account, is Canada’s second largest city. As a result, it is ethnically diverse; a fact reflected in the city’s various neighbourhoods.

Montreal features a China Town, a Little Italy, a Little Portugal and various other neighbourhoods adopted by immigrants as their own. These enclaves give Montreal a taste of many world foods, cultures and music. The dominant language spoken in Montreal is French, with 66 percent of residents using it as their primary language. According to the most recent census (2011) only 12 percent of Greater Montreal’s population have English as their mother tongue. There are a number of areas of the city where English is the mother tongue of the majority. All street signs and public notices are posted in French, so it is best to learn some key phrases before arriving. Montreal highlights its arts and culture scene as a key feature. The city is known for its many art galleries; and public art installations appear in the streets throughout downtown and residential areas. Main arteries like St. Laurent Boulevard and St. Catherine Street are frequently blocked to car traffic to accommodate street festivals like Just for Laughs, the world’s largest comedy festival; the Montreal International Jazz Festival, Montreal World Film Festival, Montreal Fireworks Festival and many other world class events.

Where to live in Montreal Homes in St Louis Square: Photo credit: Chicoutimi Each borough of Montreal has its own atmosphere and character. Before choosing your neighbourhood, it’s best to balance your ability to speak French with your area. Some areas of Montreal, like Hampstead, Notre Dame de Grace and Westmount are predominantly English, but others like Rosemont, are very French. You will find fewer English signs, newspapers in corner stores, and neighbours with whom you can converse. Some immigrants have found that living in a predominantly French neighbourhood forces them to practice using the language daily, and actually improves their skills. Closer to downtown, Plateau or Mount Royal, most of the residents are English, or at least highly bilingual, and can converse comfortably in either language. Renting is the most popular option for those looking to live near downtown. Montreal has the lowest rental costs of any major Canadian city. Neighbourhoods like the Plateau, Mount Royal and Rosemont have both low and high rise buildings, and operate like tiny self contained cities. They all offer affordable housing and low crime. The average rental price for an apartment in these areas can range from $900 to $1,900 per month for a 2 bedroom apartment.

These areas features all of the necessary amenities for their residents, such as grocery stores, hardware and home wares stores, hospitals and clinics, boutiques and cafes, bars and restaurants. These areas also offer easy access to bus and metro transit lines. Neighbourhoods like Westmount and the Outremount have rental rates of approximately $1,200 to $2,500 for a 2 bedroom apartment, and are considered Montreal’s high-end areas. Police foot patrols are frequent, and these areas tend to have more small boutique style food markets and fewer large grocery stores. For those interested in buying a home, the average price for a single family home is approximately $341,000 (2016), which is $115,000 less than the Canadian average, but higher than the provincial average of $290,000. Popular moderately priced neighbourhoods to buy homes are outlining areas like Notre Dame de Grace, Laval and Kirkland. For those looking for a more expensive home, the Westmount borough features homes costing between $500,000 and $3 million.

Montreal on the whole is safe, but you should use your instincts when traveling the city on foot at night. Some less desirable neighbourhoods are St. Michel, Park Extension and Montreal North. These areas are some of the most impoverished in the city, and have been subject to occasional gang violence. Business and Jobs Photo credit: PtitLutin Until the late 1970s, Montreal was Canada’s business hub, but it was surpassed in both population and economic strength by Toronto. Montreal continues to be an important player in industries including aerospace, software, electronics, pharmaceuticals, manufacturing and transportation. The city is one of the largest aerospace centres in North America; over 40,000 people are employed in Quebec’s aerospace industry at companies like Bell Helicopter Textron, Bombardier Aerospace, Pratt & Whitney, Rolls-Royce, and CAE. The three largest industries in Montreal are business services, manufacturing and retail. Nearly half of all people employed in Montreal reported in the last census that their occupation was in the sales and service industry. The average household income in Montreal is $75,010 yearly, which is 4.9 per cent below the Canadian average.

The unemployment rate, which in Canada means the number of people actively searching for work but unable to find a job, is 7.8 percent in Montreal (2016), higher than the Quebec and Canadian averages at 6.9 and 7.0 percent respectively. Montreal’s language laws require employees working with the public to be able to speak French competently, but most employers look to hire people who can speak both French and English to serve a broader public. Montreal is home to the world’s largest inland port, the Port of Montreal. More than 26 million tonnes of cargo pass through this busy port yearly. It is a hub for shipments of sugar, grain and oil products destined for world markets. As a result, Montreal is also one of Canada’s largest railway hubs and home to the headquarters of the Canadian National Railway. The Port of Montreal’s activities generate $1.5 billion in economic spin-offs a year and over 18,000 jobs. The majority of Canada’s French language film, television and radio production takes place in Montreal. Many streets in the neighbourhood of Old Montreal feature the original buildings and cobblestone roads of early settlement. This neighbourhood is often used in period pieces and films set in Europe.

It is not unusual to pass several film crews working on different films as you pass through the city on a summer day. Education – Primary, Secondary and Tertiary McGill University Main Quad Living in Montreal is easy if you wish French to be the language of instruction. For schools with lessons taught in English, you may have to look harder. In fact, depending on your background, public schooling in English may not be available at all. More about education in Montreal Environment and Getting Around Getting around Montreal without a car is quick and easy. The city has a robust transit system of 185 bus lines and 4 subway lines, called the Metro, with 68 stations. While often crowded during the morning and evening rush hours, most bus stops operate once every 15 minutes, and the metro lines once every 6 minutes. Montreal’s subway system is also visually interesting. Each station was designed by a different architect, and feature original artwork and themes. Lionel-Groulx metro station: Photo credit: Montrealais Many vehicle owners use public transit to commute to work, and park their cars to use on the weekends. As most residents own vehicles, and few apartments feature on-site parking, owning a vehicle in Montreal is often tedious.

Montreal is smoggy in summer, and the main entries to the city are generally congested at rush hour. A commuter rail system serves the outlying parts of Montreal, and serves 15.7 million riders yearly. Cycling in popular in Montreal, and the city is often held up as a Canadian example of a bike friendly city. Main streets often feature bike-only lanes, making cycling during heavy traffic safer and less stressful. What to do in Montreal Montreal Oratoire St. Joseph: As Canada’s largest French city, Montreal has literally thousands of cultural attractions. From museums to art galleries, historic sites to beautiful architecture, Montreal has something for everyone. Mount Royal offers one of the best known vistas in Canada. Located in the heart of the city, this urban park features popular hiking and cycling trails in the summer, and cross country skiing and tobogganing in the winter. The 233 metre summit offers an outstanding view of the entire city. For those who enjoy a more guided approach, museums like the Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal (Montreal Contemporary Art Museum), the Biodome and the Olympic Park offer reasonably priced guided tours of some of Montreal’s landmarks.

The Musée d’art contemporain de Montréal is home to works by notable Quebecois, Canadian and international contemporary artists. The Biodome, Botanical Gardens, Insectarium and Planetarium make up the Montreal Nature Museums, the largest natural science museum in Canada. The Biodome is a particularly popular destination. It allows patrons to travel the four different eco-systems of the Americas, complete with plants, animals, climate and environment. It is one of the few places in Canada you can visit with colourful tropical butterflies and subarctic dwelling penguins in the same afternoon. A visit to the Olympic Park will take you back in time to 1976. Originally built for the Summer Olympics, the park is now open to the public and professional athletes alike. A guided tour explains the history of the construction of the stadium, and no visit is complete without a trip to the top of the observation tower, the largest inclined tower in the world. A walking tour of the Old Port is a view of the evolution of Montreal. The Port features architecture from the 17th century to the 20th century, often right next to each other.

Many of the small cobbled streets are barely wide enough for one lane of traffic so driving the Old Port is difficult, but small restos and cafes dot the corners offering many places to stop for a rest, lunch or even a glass of wine for those on foot. Montreal is also home to major sports teams including the National Hockey League team, the Canadiens; Canadian Football League team, the Alouettes; and more recently the Major League Soccer team, the Impact. Summary McGill’s Molson Stadium Photo credit: Frosty34 Montreal is unique in Canada as it is the only French metropolitan city. While this makes it a difficult relocation point for those who speak little or no French, its wide range of cultures offers excellent opportunities to meet people from around the world and participate in a diverse range of activities. Montreal’s transit system is far reaching, quick and one of the most affordable in Canada. Major enterprises in the city are business services, manufacturing and retail sales. The city is also a hub for students as it has the most universities and schools per capita in the country. While the average yearly family income is slightly lower than the national average, rental and housing prices are significantly lower than those of other major cities.

Montreal’s Negatives There are many laws governing who can attend English schools. It is difficult for those without a good base in French to find employment. There are 1.8 cars for every resident, which makes commuting by car, and parking, difficult. Winters in the city are colder than the Canadian average. Due to a doctor shortage, only 65 percent of Montreal residents report having a family doctor. Montreal’s Positives The city rated in the Top 50 Most Livable cities and the Top 50 Eco-Cities according to the 2010 Mercer Quality of Living city ratings. Low rental and housing prices make Montreal an affordable major city. High public transit usage and investment in bicycle infrastructure make the city easy to navigate without a car. Quebec offers bursaries for immigrants wishing to take French immersion classes, and university tuition costs are lower for Quebec residents than for people from other provinces. Montreal is a hub of cultural and social engagement. According to Statistics Canada, 94 percent of residents report being satisfied with their lives, higher than the Canadian average. More than 80 percent reported that they consider themselves to be in good health.

The Lonely Planet travel guide includes Montreal in its “10 happiest places in the World” list, in second place.

Question: After Paris, which is the next largest French speaking city?
Answer: MONTREAL